Isaac Master (painter)

The Isaac stories in Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi

The Isaac Master was an Italian Gothic painter active in the decoration of the Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi in Assisi at the end of the thirteenth century.^[1]

The Name

Isaac, from whom the Master is given his name

Master's name is derived from a fresco painting of the death of Isaac for which he is known, the fresco is located in the Upper Church of St Francis at Assisi, depicting Isaac blessing Jacob and Esau.^[2]

Who Is The Master?

Much discussion has been held as to who is the Master. Some speculate that he was Gaddo di Zanobi Gaddi (due to similarity with Gaddi's work in Rome and Florence),^[3] while others say Pietro Cavallini or Giotto.^[4]

Whomever, the Master seems to have been familiar with the Roman artists Filippo Rusuti and Jacopo Torriti, as well as with the work of Cimabue from Florence. He anticipates, by about a decade, some of the advances made by Giotto in his work; for this reason he is considered to be a central figure in the so-called "Giotto Question".

Scenes from the Old Testament - Isaac Rejecting Esau

References